FDA Eases Restrictions On Ebola Virus Vaccine
The Federal Drug Administration has reportedly eased restrictions on an experimental drug produced by a Canadian pharmaceutical company to treat Ebola.
The Canadian-based drugmaker Tekmira Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday that the FDA had "verbally confirmed" that some of the safety restrictions on its new Ebola drug, TKM Ebola, may be lifted in light of the recent, massive Ebola outbreak currently sweeping West Africa.
The FDA had previously approved TKM Ebola to be "fast-tracked" for production, but back in July the FDA put restrictions on testing the drug on healthy adult humans, citing some possible side effects that could include nausea and low blood pressure.
Dr. Mark Murray, president of Tekmire Pharmaceuticals, released a statement Thursday praising the FDA for its decision to raise its safety restrictions on the experimental drug. Although the FDA has power over which drugs can be distributed in the U.S., it does not have power over which drugs may be distributed in Africa.
"We have been closely watching the Ebola virus outbreak and its consequences, and we are willing to assist with any responsible use of TKM-Ebola. The foresight shown by the FDA removes one potential roadblock to doing so," Murray said in his statement.
Two American doctors working in Liberia for a Samaritan's Purse clinic who were infected with the Ebola virus received a different experimental drug produced in San Diego, California, and they have reportedly shown signs of improvement since receiving the drug and being transported to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this week.
